TRAVELERS could face unexpected delays at airport security if they pack the wrong type of snack.
While travelers can bring many food items through security checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration’s liquid limits apply to more than just drinks.
That means your snacks could get you stopped during screening if they don’t meet them.
The agency uses the 3-1-1 rule to prohibit liquid, gel, aerosol, cream and paste containers over 3.4 ounces – 100 milliliters – each in carry-on luggage.
In a statement, TSA officers said: “Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
“TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.”
Doing some research ahead of time can help avoid going hungry or having to splurge at the airport.
Some common snacks travelers may not realize are subject to those rules include creamy cheeses, creamy dips and spreads, and hummus.
Also subject to the 3-1-1 rule are jam and jelly, peanut butter and yogurt.
“If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, it is a liquid, aerosol or gel and must be packed in your checked bag if it exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit,” a TSA spokesperson told USA TODAY.
“As always, passengers may bring solid foods such as hard candies, pretzels or potato chips through the checkpoint.”
Travelers can find a full list of rules for food on the TSA’s website.
This heads-up on sandwiches comes alongside other recent TSA alerts, including a new ban on placing portable chargers and power banks in checked luggage, due to fire risks.
To stay prepared, the TSA recommends packing books near the top of your hand luggage, so they can be quickly removed if requested by a security officer.
These items are prohibited from carry-on luggage
- Power banks.
- Cell phone battery charging cases.
- Rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries.
- Cell phone batteries.
- Laptop batteries.
- External batteries.
- Portable rechargers
Travellers are also encouraged to keep other items like laptops, tablets, and liquids separate and easy to access, especially when flying out of busy US airports such as JFK, LAX, or Atlanta.
You can view the TSA’s full list of prohibited items here.
